04 February 2013

Promising news from Ghana. The new Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Nana Oye Lithur was sworn in today by President John Mahama, reports GhanaWeb.

Parliament confirmed Oye's nomination "despite stiff opposition by the clergy and several institutions" who were opposed top her "liberal" position on gays and same-sex relations. Previous remarks by the human rights attorney "indicate[d] that she was pro-gay" reports Denis Nzioka at Identity Kenya.

A group calling itself 'Concerned Clergy Association of Ghana' mid last month opposed Ms Oye’s appointment as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection saying she was a 'proponent and supporter of gay rights'.

Presbyterian Moderator Prof Emmanuel Martey had described her as a lady with little integrity and protested her nomination and approval. "To appoint Ms Oye to this sensitive position as a Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister is detrimental to our social cultural norms and religious beliefs,' group spokesman Bishop Prince Benny Wood is quoted in various outlets.

Oye clarified her position during confirmation, reports the Ghanaian Chronicle via AllAfrica.com.

Nana Oye Lithur denied ever saying that homosexuality should be promoted. "Mr. Chairman, I have never said that homosexuality should be promoted or that I will promote homosexuality. I have never said that homosexuality should be legalized," she noted. However, she told the committee that she is a human rights lawyer, activist and advocate and that "I stand for justice for everybody. And what I said was the rights of everybody, including homosexuals should be protected."

This is a very positive development. The last two years have seen an increase in anti-gay rhetoric coning from elected officials
and media in the West African nation.

In the summer of 2011, former President John Atta Mills denounced homosexuality and the Western Region Minister announced the "immediate arrest of all homosexuals." Mills and members of parliament were outraged after British
Prime Minister David Cameron suggested that foreign aid should be
decreased to countries that do not respect gay rights. Mills died in July 2012.

Same-sex acts between men are prohibited by Ghana's criminal code. The penalty is up to three years in prison. Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights.

09 July 2012

There are new developments in the case of Tommy Bennett, the gay former staffer in Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition who filed a stunning complaint last year alleging anti-gay discrimination and sexual harassment. Bennett later filed a lawsuit alleging similar claims.

The lawsuit and investigation continues, and, a settlement has been rejected in the case, an attorney tells Chicago's Windy City Times. Another former employee's harassment lawsuit filed against Rainbow PUSH reportedly supports some of Bennett's claims.

The initial charge filed with the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations was revealed last April. Bennett claimed that he experienced ongoing harassment soon after he was hired in 2007. Bennett says that he was later demoted to Jackson's travel assistant, asked to escort women to Jackson's room and "clean up after sexual intercourse", and that the reverend demanded oral sex.

Bennett's attorney, Thomas Leverso, told Windy City Times that rumors that the case had been settled are far from true—but did say his client received an offer. "In terms of disclosure about the amount of money, I can't tell you the figure," he said. "However, I can tell you that it was so far below any of our demands that it was insulting. As to the process, the case is alive and well in Cook County [regarding] the IDHR [Illinois Department of Human Rights] claims. As for the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations [CCHR], they haven't communicated anything except that they're moving forward with the investigation."

Regarding the court case, Leverso said, "We're headed to a judgment quite soon because they're not even showing up to court."

Meanwhile, Candice Brown—another former PUSH employee—has filed three IDHR cases against Rainbow PUSH, Marshette Turner (with PUSH's Trade Bureau) and Chief of Staff John Mitchell, and one CCHR case against all the defendants together. Among other things, Brown alleges harassment.

At one point in the supplement to the complaints, Brown stated "how any time an employee 'was not liked' by the Rainbow PUSH any longer, she was to terminate the employee and draft a letter" that cited "either 'economic downturn' or 'lack of funding' as the reason for the termination, despite funding either remaining constant or increasing during the times of the terminations." She also said she "drafted one such letter to a Mr. Tommy Bennett, stating inter alia lack of funding as [the] reason for layoff."

Leverso also represents Brown. Bennett is seeking at least $98,300 in lost income and benefits and "$350,000 for emotional distress and other damages."

Bennett was a member of President Obama's LGBT leadership council. Bennett was also known for being a gay-themed gossip personality on The Tom Joyner Morning Show.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rainbow PUSH have denied the allegations. Jackson and PUSH have a long record of support for LGBT and HIV/AIDS issues, dating back to Jackson's presidential bids in the 1980s. This is believed to be the first time he has been accused of harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

18 June 2012

Several thousand demonstrators participated in a silent march on Sunday down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue to protest the New York Police Department’s "stop and frisk" policies. The policies grant officers wide discretion to detain and search pedestrians.

Police officers stopped nearly 700,000 people last year, 87 percent of them black or Latino. Of those stopped, more than half were also frisked. The protest, which began at 3 p.m., followed recent remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that he planned to scale back and amend the practice, amid escalating protests. Mr. Bloomberg has argued that stop-and-frisk gets guns off the street and reduces crime. The march, which stretched for about 20 blocks, ended at East 78th Street, a block from the mayor’s residence.

As of Friday, 299 organizations had endorsed the march, including unions, religious groups and Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arab, and Jewish groups. The turnout reflected the growing alliance between civil rights groups and gay and lesbian activists, who in past years have often kept each other at arm’s length. Last month, the board of the N.A.A.C.P., which includes several church leaders, voted to endorse same-sex marriage. The roster of support for the march on Sunday included at least 28 gay, lesbian and transgender groups.

Chris Bilal, 24, who is black and gay, said he had been stopped three times, the last time while dancing with two friends in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. “Sometimes I’m targeted as a drug dealer, sometimes as someone interfering with the quality of life, sometimes as a gay African-American man in a place I don’t belong,” he said.

During the 10 years of the Bloomberg administration, the police have performed 4,356,927 stops, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union. Among Black men ages 14 to 24, the number of stops last year was greater than their total population. LGBT youth of color are often "targets of police violence and harassment," the Huffington Post reported last week.

The march's leaders included the NAACP's Benjamin Todd Jealous and the Rev. Al Sharpton. The march was attended by the city's Democratic mayorals—Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Comptroller John Liu and former comptroller William C. Thompson. Their presence indicates a solidifying opposition to the policy.

15 June 2012

President Obama delivered brief remarks today at the White House's LGBT Pride Month Reception. This was the Administration's fourthannualevent and attended by "about 500 people", according to White House pool reports.

"Three years ago, I also promised you this," said the President. "I said that even if it took more time than we would like, we would see progress, we would see success, we would see real and lasting change. And together, that’s what we’re witnessing."

13 June 2012

History was made on Tuesday when the U. S. Senate heard testimony from its first ever transgender witness. Kylar Broadus testified at a hearing on the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act before the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee. Broadus is a lawyer and professor at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and the founder of the Trans People of Color Coalition.

Broadus testified about his experience working at a large financial services company in the 1990s. Broadus said that he was harassed and fired after he transitioned. "While my supervisors could tolerate a somewhat masculine-appearing black woman, they were not prepared to deal with my transition to being a black man," he explained.

It is legal in 29 states to discriminate based on sexual orientation. It's also legal in 37 states to discriminate based on gender identity and expression.

"To have a trans person of color shed light on the challenges faced by transgender Americans who simply want the same chance at earning a living and providing for themselves was monumental," says NBJC Executive Director Sharon Lettman-Hicks. "This was a historic moment in the Senate and for our nation as a whole."

From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the law — not just for some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by those who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who wielded love stronger than hate and hope more powerful than insult or injury; who fought to build for themselves and their families a Nation where no one is a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of us are free to live and love as we see fit.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has written a proud chapter in this fundamentally American story. From brave men and women who came out and spoke out, to union and faith leaders who rallied for equality, to activists and advocates who challenged unjust laws and marched on Washington, LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy, celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans.

Since I took office, my Administration has worked to broaden opportunity, advance equality, and level the playing field for LGBT people and communities. We have fought to secure justice for all under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and we have taken action to end housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights for LGBT patients and their loved ones, and under the Affordable Care Act, we ensured that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to someone just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Because we understand that LGBT rights are human rights, we continue to engage with the international community in promoting and protecting the rights of LGBT persons around the world. Because we repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, honestly, and without fear of losing their jobs because of whom they love. And because we must treat others the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in marriage equality for same-sex couples.

More remains to be done to ensure every single American is treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Moving forward, my Administration will continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT Americans. This month, as we reflect on how far we have come and how far we have yet to go, let us recall that the progress we have made is built on the words and deeds of ordinary Americans. Let us pay tribute to those who came before us, and those who continue their work today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task that is unending — the pursuit of a Nation where all are equal, and all have the full and unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness and live openly and freely.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2012 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

My sexual orientation is "known" but never openly discussed. "I think she is one of them" is what they'll say. The invisible nature of my existence and the routine condemnation of me for being something other than a child of God, ultimately forced me leave the black church. As a gay person, I was made to feel that I was the only sinner in a land of saints. Well, at least the 'saints' were guilty of committing 'acceptable' sins. Me? Let the stoning begin!

We know people in the church who sin openly, and even have children out of wedlock. We are there to shout 'amen' for our church leaders and wish them well as they move from one failed marriage to the next one. ... We think gays are a threat to the manhood of African American men, however as a Christian community we would rather only whisper about love on the 'down low' as opposed to addressing it openly. We ignore the real threat to our communities: schools that are continually failing our children; while, "at least my pastor drives a fancy car and lives in a fabulous home."

But fair warning: "Avoid [the essay] like the plague if u have an aversion to hate speech," tweets Atlanta-based blogger and activist Darian Aaron, referring to the dozens of comments. Many of them are hatefully heartbreaking.

One comment that stands out: "If you think you are so-called unloved in the Black Church, join a White Church. Good luck with that. You chosed to be whatever you are so stop whining."

18 May 2012

This is just brilliant. Malawi's new president has declared that she wants to repeal the southern African nation's anti-gay laws and sodomy statutes. President Joyce Banda's move reverses the recent trend in Africa in which gays have been increasingly singled out for prosecution. Malawi would become the first African nation to do this since South Africa in 1994, reports the BBC.

Mrs Banda took power last month after her predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, died of a heart attack. She has since reversed several of his policies, including devaluing the currency, in a bid to get donor funding restored. Many donors cut aid under Mr Mutharika, accusing him of economic mismanagement and political repression.

In her first state of the nation address to parliament, Mrs Banda said: "Some laws which were duly passed by the august house... will be repealed as a matter of urgency... these include the provisions regarding indecent practices and unnatural acts."

The BBC's Raphael Tenthani in the main city, Blantyre, says the president has the support of a majority of MPs and so should be able to get parliament to overturn the law. However, he says it will be an unpopular move with many church leaders, as well as the wider population in this conservative country.

Malawi faced international condemnation for the May 2010 conviction and 14-year prison sentences given to Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. The couple was convicted of "unnatural acts" and gross indecency" after holding an engagement ceremony. The late President Mutharika pardoned the couple on "humanitarian grounds."

Banda is the continent's newest and second female president. Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the other.

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in Malawi, as they are in at least 38 of 54 African countries. The maximum punishment is 14 years behind bars and hard labor. In September 2009, a senior official first suggested that the conservative African nation "must recognize" gay rights if it hopes to properly address HIV/AIDS.

Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

19 April 2012

House Speaker John Boehner hasn't "thought much about" the proposed Employment Nondiscrimination Act and claims that "ample laws" protect gay and transgender employees from discrimination, reports Chris Johnson at the Washington Blade.

Although the administration insists it will work with Congress to pass legislation in lieu of an executive order barring federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT workers, Boehner seemed unaware of ENDA in response to a question from the Washington Blade, saying, “I haven’t seen the bill. I haven’t thought much about it.”

Asked whether passage of ENDA might alleviate the 8.2 percent unemployment rate if employers were barred from firing LGBT workers, Boehner said “ample laws” are in place and deferred further comment to the House Committee on Education & the Workforce. The committee didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

"No one should face discrimination in the workforce," Boehner said. "There are ample laws already in place to deal with this. Having been the chairman of the Education & Workforce Committee, I’m quite familiar with employment law. But if there are further changes that are necessary, I’m sure the committee will look at it."

Even if Boehner were to bring the bill to a vote, it is unlikely to pass the House where Republican lawmakers hold the majority. ENDA has 161 co-sponsors in the House, far short of the 218 votes that would be needed for passage.

Currently there are no federal laws or regulations that bar employers from firing workers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is perfectly legal to fire or discriminate against someone because they are gay in 29 states. It is also legal to fire or discriminate against someone because they are transgender is legal in 34 states.

"If the speaker is so familiar with employment law he should know it’s perfectly legal to fire LGBT people in most states," Human Rights Campaign spokesman Michael Cole-Schwartz said. "This attitude is precisely why we need congressional hearings on an inclusive ENDA so the costs of employment discrimination are put on full display."

Last week, the Obama Administration announced that it would not sign off on a proposed executive order that would ban anti-LGBT discrimination among federal contractors.

09 March 2012

Some high-level diplomats representing Islamic and African nations walked out of Wednesday's historic United Nations Human Rights Council meeting on LGBT rights.

This happened after United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay told the Geneva-based council that gays and lesbians should be protected by all governments, reports Radio Free Europe.

In a video message to council members on March 7, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said persecution of gays was "an attack on the universal values that the United Nations and I have sworn to defend and uphold."

[Ban] called the imprisonment, torture, and killing of persons based on their sexual orientation "a monumental tragedy for those affected and a stain on our collective conscience. It is also a violation of international law. You, as members of the Human Rights Council, must respond.".

The session was held to consider a first-of-its-kind report released late last year by the UN's high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, which identified "a clear pattern of targeted violence and discrimination directed at people because they are, or are perceived to be" lesbian, gay, bisexual. or transgender." The report cited reports of killings, rape, physical attacks, torture, arbitrary detention, the denial of right of assembly, and discrimination in employment, health, and education.

Among the disturbing examples cited was an account of lesbians being gang-raped in Kyrgyzstan, and an Uzbek human rights defender who was charged with homosexuality, beaten by police, and threatened with sexual assault. The report also documented the Russian authorities' refusal to allow gay-rights activists to hold parades.

Wednesday's meeting was the council's first-ever session on sexual-orientation-based discrimination and violence. In June 2011, the UNHRC approved an historic resolution that condemned discrimination and violence against the LGBT community. The measure was sponsored by the United States, Colombia and South Africa. It was opposed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, among others.

Islamic and African diplomats continue to deny any of their citizens are at risk, reported Reuters.

Speaking before the walkout for the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan described homosexuality as "licentious behavior" while African group leader Senegal said it was not covered by global human rights accords.

Nigeria—where gay rights groups say there have been many attacks on male and female homosexuals—declared none of its citizens was at risk of violence because of sexual orientation or gender identity before it too left the chamber.

And Mauritania, for the Arab group, all of whose members are also in the OIC, said attempts to impose "the controversial topic of sexual orientation" would undermine discussion in the council of all genuine human rights problems.

United Nations Secretary General Ban also addressed LGBT issues at January's meeting of the African Union, claiming that some African nations have treated gays like "second-class citizens or even criminals."

Seventy-six of the UN's 192 member countries have laws criminalizing same-sex behavior. At least five countries, including Iran, impose the death penalty as punishment for same-sex relations.

The situation is most acute in Africa. Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights.